Not that you didn’t already know about the incredible effects of chiropractic care, but yet another study has been published showing the significant benefits of chiropractic care in a group of individuals suffering from neck pain. In this new study, researchers studied the immediate effects of a chiropractic cervical (neck) adjustment on neck pain and active cervical range of motion. Seventy patients (25 male and 45 female) aged 20 to 55 years with mechanical neck pain were involved with the study. Researchers concluded that with just a single chiropractic adjustment (often referred to as chiropractic manipulation), the majority of patients experienced an immediate decrease in neck pain as well as immediate increase in neck motion as compared with a control group.

According to a recent U.S. government survey, more employees are now paying a portion of their hospital bills and fewer have access to employer-sponsored healthcare. Due to quickly rising healthcare costs and health insurance premiums, employers have been forced to increase the maximum out-of-pocket expense limit for their employees. Approximately 10 percent of employees were required to pay $150 to $400 out-of-pocket for hospital care in 1999. This number doubled to 21 percent in 2003. Moreover, during that time 3 million fewer U.S. workers were eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance. As healthcare costs continue to rise, these healthcare stats can only worsen for employees.

It’s about that time when our children and teens begin heading back to school. Given that, we’d like to share a few important tips, compliments of our friends at the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), with the parents of those lugging around those backpacks filled with books, laptops and other school related materials.

Backpack Safety Checklist:

Is the backpack the correct size for your child? The backpack should never be wider or longer than your child’s torso, and the pack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.

Does the backpack have two wide, padded shoulder straps? Non-padded straps are not only uncomfortable, but also they can place unnecessary pressure on the neck and shoulder muscles.

Does your child use both straps? Lugging a heavy backpack by one strap can cause a disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, low-back pain, and poor posture.

Are the shoulder straps adjustable? The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. The backpack should be evenly centered in the middle of your child's back.

Does the backpack have a padded back? A padded back not only provides increased comfort, but also protects your child from being poked by sharp edges on school supplies (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack.

Does the pack have several compartments? A backpack with individualized compartments helps position the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child's back, and try to place the heaviest items closet to the body.

Scientists reviewing 15 studies that included more than 4,700 subjects have concluded that those who consume processed meats (bacon, sausage, smoked ham, etc.) significantly increase their risk of stomach cancer. Stomach cancer is the 4th most common type of cancer and accounts for approximately 10 percent of cancers that result in death. According to their findings, for every ounce (30 grams) increase in consumption of processed meats, the risk of stomach cancer increases anywhere from 15 to 38 percent. In order to lengthen their shelf lives, processed meats are often salted, smoked and/or have nitrates added to them. However, this could very likely be responsible for the increased incidence of cancer rates.